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The Joyful Noise Newsletter Schoeneck Moravian Church

November 2020

Being Thankful In An Upside Down World As followers of Jesus Christ we are called and expected by God to look different by the way we speak, the things we do and how we do them. We are also called and expected to choose to live like people who not only follow Jesus’ example but live wisely as people of faith even when the world is being turned upside down. Have your finances been turned upside down because of the coronavirus? Has your business been turned upside down because of the coronavirus? What about family life? Has that been turned upside down because of the coronavirus? Not to mention the daily routines that we enjoyed have now been turned upside down. Much needed surgeries were delayed, depression and loneliness sat in due to months of isolation, mothers gave birth alone, loved ones died alone, children have been going to school with limited social interactions, support groups have been disbanded leaving those struggling to overcome addiction and other ailments to fend for themselves, and the list goes on and on. We see bodies being moved to refrigerated trucks because the morgues in some harder hit areas are beyond capacity. And, as we look toward what used to be a season for celebrating with Thanksgiving and Christmas and New Years, many of us may be struggling with getting in the spirit of the season. Yet, Christ calls us to not rely on our feelings alone in order to live as people of faith, hope, and, love. Thus, as believers in Jesus Christ because He lives and He is still God, we can and we will choose to be thankful in all things. First Thessalonians 5:16-18 declares, “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Notice we are to give thanks in “all things” because this is “God’s will for us.” We are not the first generation of the children of God challenged with giving thanks in difficult circumstances. In Psalm 28, King David is depicted as being in great distress. In this Psalm King David cries to God for mercy, protection, and justice. After David cries out to God, he writes, “Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy, and I will give thanks to him in song” (vs. 6-7). David cried to God, expressing the upside down circumstances in which he found himself. Yet, he did not forget that even though his situation was hard he could still trust in the Lord. Neither did David forget who the Lord was. Thus he gave God thanks even before his situation was resolved. Will you join us in making David’s cry our cry in this season. It is okay to cry. It is okay to ask the Lord to have mercy upon us whilst giving thanks to Christ in recognition of His strength, love, and willingness to give His life so that we might live. This God is still here. This God is still listening,

and this God in Jesus Christ is still all powerful. Job had a similar attitude of praise, even in the face of death: “The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised” (Job 1:2). The Apostle Paul was heavily persecuted, yet he wrote, “Thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads

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Highlights from the Board of Elders and Board of Trustees

October Meetings

Board of Elders

Church Directory will be available for pick up in the church parking lot. 6:00 – 8:00 pm on Thursday, 10/29. Will also be available at next parking lot Communion.

Confirmation Class will begin again this fall/winter. New class will also begin this fall/winter.

Next Holy Communion will be November 8th both in the sanctuary and drive-up-style in parking lot.

Board of Trustees

Reported the need for three new trustees for 2021.

Discussed the Cemetery Fund and arranged for a payback of a loan from several years ago.

Reported that water-damaged SS classrooms are completed.

Our Zoom Sunday School class for Pre-K to 8th grade has been in progress now for 4 weeks and we have had an average of 12 children per Sunday with some visitors present on 10/18! We are hoping that the children are enjoying it and learning some new things about the book of Genesis stories. We continue to send out pages that pertain to the upcoming Sunday's lesson even to those that feel they are too old to join in or those that have limited screen time due to cyber schooling during the week. The Christian Education group hopes that those that are not joining us are at least reading through the material you receive. (And who

doesn't like to do a word search?) You are never too old to learn something new about a story you’ve already heard. Challenge your child to look it up in their own Bible and read through the story if they don't want to join us. We have 4 more weeks of lessons on the book of Genesis, and then on November 29th we will start our lessons on Advent. (Can you believe that is just around the corner?)

At this time the Discoverer's class is not meeting but are invited to join the Won by One class which has been meeting in the grove on Sunday mornings. Please contact Jeff Faust or Troy Schoeneberger if you are interested in joining them.

The Pastors are in the process of reaching out to the Confirmation class to continue their studies. Should you have any questions, please contact the church office in regards to when this will start and/or if your child should be in the upcoming class.

Continue to stay safe and practice social distancing so that this COVID thing can come to an

end and we can all meet in church again for Sunday School!

Blessings! Pamela F. Stampf

Sunday School Coordinator

everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him” (2 Corinthians 2:14). The book of Hebrews says, “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe” (Hebrews 12:28). Peter gives a reason to be thankful for “grief and all kinds of trials,” saying that, through the hardships, our faith “may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed” ( 1Peter 1:6-7). Pastors Garritt & Sanette

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Worship the Lord with Us!

ALL SAINTS DAY WORSHIP, November 1 Sunday, November 1 is All Saints Day. During this worship service we will remember the faithful Christ-followers God has placed in our lives who have since gone on to be with the Lord. We will also recognize that the term “saint” applies to all people, whether living or dead, who have truly committed their lives to Christ as His followers (Ephesians 1:1). CHIEF ELDER HOLY COMMUNION, November 8 On Sunday, November 8, we will celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion, affirming our Lord Jesus Christ as the Head and Chief Elder of our Moravian Church. Please use this service as an opportunity to renew your relationship with your Savior, Jesus Christ, who said as often as you drink this cup and eat this bread, you are doing it in remembrance of His blood that was shed for you and His body which was given for you. For those attending worship in-person in the sanctuary, we will serve communion as a special service following regular worship. For those who are not able to attend or are not comfortable with attending in-person worship, at 12:30 P.M. we invite you receive Communion from your vehicle by driving up to the Church vestibule. The consecrated Communion elements will be handed to you as you safely remain in your car. Offering will also be collected at this time. CHRISTIAN MEN’S SUNDAY, November 15 Genesis 1:27 says, “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” God has unique purposes for both men and women in His creation. On this day we will explore the special calling God has given to men and how that can be lived out. While the focus will be on the guys, there is something for all to learn this day. CHRIST THE KING SUNDAY, November 22 On Sunday, November 22, we will acknowledge Jesus Christ as King. This Sunday is always the last Sunday of the Christian Church year, setting the stage for the Advent and Christmas season to come. In these turbulent and unsettled times in which we live, we proclaim on this day that Jesus Christ, who is “King of Kings and Lord of Lords” (Rev. 19:16) reigns over all and will indeed return in triumph to establish justice and righteousness on the earth (Rev. 21:11-12a; Dan. 2:44). THANKSGIVING EVE WORSHIP, November 25 The details for these service and the format in which it will be held is still being determined. More information will be shared soon. FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT, November 29 The word “advent” means arrival. During this season of the church year, we remember Jesus’ arrival to this earth as a baby born in a manger. We also simultaneously look ahead to His coming arrival when He will judge the living and the dead and establish His new kingdom (2 Timothy 4:1). As we look ahead to Christmas, and as we look ahead to Christ’s ultimate return, let us rejoice and let us prepare a place for Him in our hearts. ADVENT HOLY COMMUNION, November 29 As we together ponder the significance of Christ coming to us and His coming to earth again, we invite you back to church for a special worship and Communion service in the evening at 4:30 p.m. For those who are not able to attend or are not comfortable with attending in-person worship, on this Sunday, we invite you to drive up to the church vestibule at 12:30 P.M. to receive the consecrated Communion elements. You may partake of Communion at that time or choose to hold onto it and partake of it later as you follow along with the evening's livestream service.

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To sign up for either flowers or bulle�ns, please email the church at schoeneck@schoeneckmoravian.org or call

the church office at 610-759-0376 and let Heather know the date and whether you want to sponsor the flowers

or bulle�n. She will let you know if that week is open. We will con�nue to use the current sign-up sheet for the

rest of this year, so if you've already signed up for a certain date you do not need to do it again.

SPONSORS FOR THE MONTHS OF

NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER

FLOWERS - $10.00 BULLETINS - $10.00

11/1 OPEN 11/1 OPEN

11/8 Bob & Marianne Sweitzer 11/8 Paul & Mim Stoudt

11/15 Cookie & George Knauss 11/15 Glenn & Carolyn Hertzog

11/22 OPEN 11/22 OPEN

11/29 OPEN 11/29 Carol Faust

12/6 LaRue Beil 12/6 Cookie & George Knauss

12/13 Cookie & George Knauss 12/13 Yaswinski Family

12/20 OPEN 12/20 Melody Stocker

12/24 Ressler Family 12/24 Silimperi Family

12/27 OPEN 12/27 Cookie & George Knauss

12/31 Yaswinski Family 12/31 Yaswinski Family

This year we will be participating again in Holiday Hope Chests, a shoebox project sponsored by the Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley. The shoeboxes will be distributed to underprivileged children throughout the Lehigh Valley. Our goal is to collect 30 shoeboxes to give these children a brighter holiday.

Boxes are due on December 1

Categories are: Ages 2-3 (boy or girl) Ages 4-5 (boy or girl) Ages 6-8 (boy or girl)

Because the church building is usually closed, contact Elaine Bittner to arrange pick up of your boxes.

at Nazareth

Moravian Church

Collecting: Winter Coats for all ages and sizes, snow boots (particularly GOOD children’s boots),

caps, scarves, mittens, gloves

Donated items can be dropped off at Nazareth Moravian Church before November 10th. Due to

limited office hours, please call ahead to Nazareth Moravian before you drop off items.

(610) 759-3163

Sunday, November 1

Joyful Noise Offering can be placed in the

metal bucket as you leave the sanctuary after worship.

THE JOYFUL NOISE OFFERING we are collecting supports

Moravian Open Door, the Moravian church’s ministry to the homeless in New York City.

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SEPTEMBER MONTHLY FINANCIAL SUMMARY

2020

SEPTEMBER ACTIVITY

SEPT TOTAL REVENUE $26,741

SEPT TOTAL EXPENSES -$34,985

SEPT NET REVENUE -$8,244

YEAR TO DATE ACTIVITY

YTD TOTAL REVENUE $272,513

YTD TOTAL EXPENSES -$295,296 *

YTD NET REVENUE -$22,783

*Includes Parking Lot Expense of $31,000.

Total Provincial Obliga9on not paid

through August - $1,200.

Total Provincial & District Monthly Obliga9on is $7,284

Time, Talent and Treasure

SEPTEMBER

SPECIAL OFFERINGS

Provincial Administration $1,475

Special Projects—Helping Hand

Fund

$20

Special Projects—Summer Catch-

Up

$323

Special Projects—Safe Harbor $470

Special Projects—Parking Lot $275

Moravian Open Door $165

Anniversary Offering $20

Communion/Lovefeast $50

Memorial Gift—Dennis Smith $675

Memorial Gift—June/Sterling Fehr $200

TOTAL $3,673

Hebrews 13:16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Throughout this pandemic, the Lord has been good to us at Schoeneck and has provided for our every need. Our members have been faithful in their giving which has allowed us to pay our bills and contribute toward our monthly benevolences. At this point in the year we are only $1200 behind in our Provincial and District Common Ministries. If we keep up the good work and are able to pay in full, we will have approximately $25,000 forgiven from previous years. Please continue giving your weekly offering as this not only helps us do God's work at Schoeneck, but also allows us to provide for our neighbors both locally and around the world. To help our church maintain its important mission to God’s work, please consider mailing your weekly offering or contact your bank to setup online payments. Checks can be sent to 316 North Broad St. Ext., Nazareth, PA 18064.

Thank you to the following memorials for contributing to the cost of replacing carpet in the Sunday School rooms

as a result of water damage:

Memorial for Ella Hildenbrandt—$305 Memorial for Margaret Kostenbader—$400

Memorial for Jeff Samsel—$800

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Greetings!

I hope this finds everyone doing well & staying safe.

We send our condolences to the families of Patricia Hayden, Irma Williamson, Betty L Warner, Jennie Dishong, Gayle Searock, and Laurie West.

This past year has been difficult; more so for families with loved ones in Nursing Homes and the time that they were not able to visit; even when the resident was in their final moments of life. How tragic!

Some of the ways to stay connected with loved ones in a nursing home are:

Use of technology: video chats using Zoom, Skype, and FaceTime allow you to see and speak with loved ones. If that is not an option, phone calls, emails, cards and letters may be useful and keep you in contact with loved ones.

Send favorite items: care packages with favorite items: trinkets, snacks or other small items. Magazines, puzzles, games may be helpful. They can improve moods, reduce anxiety and let them know you are thinking about them. Before sending, check with facility to make sure it is permitted.

Sending photos back & forth with fun topics to spark fun & engaging conversation. Photos can also be great for reminiscing.

Get updates from the care setting: In situations like COVID-19, where there is prolonged disruption, find out how they will deliver special care needs that your loved ones may have. Find out what alternatives are available.

Above all, stay creative & connected to your loved ones.

Our parking lot Communion on October 4, 2020 was just plain awesome. Thanks to Pastors Garritt & Sanette and our Joint Board for all they do and continue to do. Words just cannot fully express how much we love & appreciate all you are doing for our Church family.

Praise be to God!

Love & Stay safe! Cookie

Health Ministry

We express our sympathy with Lori Hayden and family

on the death of her mother Patricia Hayden on October 2, 2020.

We express our sympathy with Jennie & Brian Dishong and family

on the death of her mother Jennie-Marie DeMartinis on October 4, 2020

We express our sympathy with Debbie Williamson and family

on the death of her mother Irma Williamson on October 8, 2020.

We express our sympathy with Elwood Warner Sr. and family

on of his wife Betty Warner on October 11, 2020

We express our sympathy with Gayle & Frank Searock

on the death of her brother Bruce Fehr on October 14, 2020.

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Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Hope and pray that you are all well and keeping safe. This new normal situation based on COVID has been a challenge for us all at Esperanza, especially for our kids and their families. However, thanks to your faithfulness and support to the cause of Christ their burdens has been lighter. Your donations of school and hygiene supplies is highly appreciated. We were able to use them very wisely, as we determine new and proper ways to serve the community. Yet, the needs and challenges persist.

We are able to open for worship at our location on 1238 E. 4th Street, Bethlehem, PA 18015. We also offer our online worship experience on m.facebook.com/EsperanzaforBethlehem. Thank you once more for your support.

Sincerely yours in Christ, Rev. Tracy S. Robinson

I would like to thank the Schoeneck congregation for all your contributions, and in helping with the hoagie fundraiser towards Dennis’s memorial in purchasing a digital church sign. This was something he asked me to do and it would not be possible without your help. God’s blessings are plentiful. Joanne Smith

Thank you to LaRue Beil, John Beitel, Catherine Hahn, Ron Minnich, and Lorena Roberts for their help with the roadside cleanup along Jacobsburg Road on Saturday, October 10th. Next cleanup will be in April 2021 in connection with Earth Day.

On behalf of the Board of Management of Hope Conference and Renewal Center, thank you for your recent donation. We appreciate your gift of $500 to continued support of Camp Hope. In an effort to keep camp in use and bring some income during the COVID 19 shutdown, we have been offering Family Cabin Rentals for household members to stay in a cabin and enjoy some of the Camp Hope experience together. It seems likely that the effects of COVID 19 will be felt for a long time. We will continue to find ways to keep Camp Hope alive, and we look forward to a time when the camp will once again be filled with campers, activities, singing and worshipping. Your Sister in Christ, Suzanne E. Curtis

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As we know, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all of us but no one has been ‘hit’ harder than our homebound members, whether from age, mobility limitations, or sickness. The feeling of separation and loneliness is further enhanced since daylight saving time will soon be over and the increasing amount of darkness outside makes us feel even more separated! As we move from activity to

activity wearing masks and staying socially distant, we complain about all the things that need to get done, but forget about those unable to do for themselves. As stated in Ephesians 4:32 “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other as Christ forgave you.” Let’s make a change by spreading our Christian love and send homebound members a card or some other means expressing greetings to let them know they are being thought of. Challenge yourself to send one card a week to someone on the list of homebound and sick members. Psalm 145:9 states, “The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.” This card may be the thing that brightens their day… and yours!!

This information is redacted for

our website. Members may

contact the church office for

more information.

Congratulations to Evan and Shandi

Toyberg on their marriage on October 15,

2020.

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Scripture Readers Wanted!

Now scheduling all Sundays for the remainder of 2020! Scripture Readers are guaranteed a seat in church without registration

(family members or guests, must register)

Please contact Lisa Moyer to select your date on the calendar! 610-657-3530 (call or text) Email to: lisa274@ptd.net

Or via Facebook - Lisa Schaefer Moyer

YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND HOLIDAY GREETINGS TO THOSE SERVING IN THE MILITARY

This information is redacted for our

website. Members may contact the

church office for more information.

Please let the church office know about updates to the prayer concerns lists,

as well as any address or phone number changes.

Thank you!

NOVEMBER SAFE HARBOR

Women’s Bible Study

NOVEMBER RECYCLING SPONSORS

Ka�e & Bill EllioF

ACTIVATE OUR PRAYER CHAIN

Contact Elaine Bittner or call the church office.

For same day or next day prayer requests, please call or text Elaine to

ensure it is sent out promptly.

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PRAYER CONCERNS

HOMEBOUND MEMBERS

SERVING IN THE MILITARY

3 - Cody & Krystal Smith (8) 4 - Tammy & Ed Mehlig (20)

Ashlee & Anthony Stampf (14) 5 - John & Janet Morrow (42) 7 - Donna & Mark Franczak (39)

8 - David & Donna Thorman (45) Pat & Henry Yeska (34) 11 - Len & Francine Messinger (43)

12 - Brandon & Sarah Hriniak (15) 21 - Pamela & Tony Stampf (44)

22 - Garry & Tracy Haidle (12) 23 - Art & Carol Erickson (58) 27 - Jon & Bobbi Jo Duffield (10)

28 - Conrad & Loraine Rice (2)

1 - Joseph Silimperi

2 - Scott Rupert Ethan Rush (15) Jason Szulborski

4 - James Schnyderite 5 - Margaret Koehler 7 - Mildred Miller

Timothy Remaley Jillian Schnyderite (13)

9 - Martin Roehrich* 10- Naomi Francisco (16) 11 - Alexander Warner (18)

12 - Anna Free Pamela Liebel

15 - Olivia Graver (13) Kelsey Itterly 18 - Katherine Beam

Savannah Ruppert (16) 21 - Austin Gillette

Ken Kirst

22 - Ryan Morrow*

Susan Schalk* Henry Yeska* 24 - Jacob Hartzell

25 - Matthew Duffield* 28 - Lisa Nixon 29 - Laura Cook

Jeff Faust 30 - Trisha Dorward*

*significant

Birthday ending in

a “5” or “0”.

*With respect for the rights each one has to privacy, please secure an individual’s permission before adding them to our prayer list, or sharing their concern during worship. Please remember to contact the church office when names should be removed from the list.

PRAYER CONCERNS * (Friends)

Our Church Family

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SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

All Saints Sunday 1 10:30 AM Worship Service In sanctuary and online

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5:30 PM Girl Scouts 7:30 PM AA

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7:00 PM Bears

4 7:00 PM Elders

5 9 AM Women’s Bible Study 5:30 PM Cubs 7:30 AA Meeting

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5:30 Tiger Den 7 PM Cub Den

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11 AM Al-Anon

Chief Elder Holy Communion 8 10:30 AM Worship Service with communion In sanctuary and online 12:30 PM Communion in parking lot

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5:30 PM Girl Scouts 7:30 PM AA

10 7:00 PM Trustees 7:00 PM Bears

11 12:00 PM Retired Employees 6:00 PM Pack 78

12 9 AM Women’s Bible Study 5:30 PM Cubs 7:00 PM Joint Board 7:30 AA Meeting

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5:30 Tiger Den 7 PM Cub Den

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11 AM Al-Anon

Christian Men’s Sunday 15 10:30 AM Worship Service In sanctuary and online

16 5:30 PM Girl Scouts 7:30 PM AA

17 7:00 PM Bears

18 6:00 PM Pack 78

19 9 AM Women’s Bible Study 5:30 PM Cubs 7:30 AA Meeting

20 5:30 Tiger Den 7 PM Cub Den

21 11 AM Al-Anon

Christ the King Sunday 22 10:30 AM Worship Service In sanctuary and online

23 5:30 PM Girl Scouts 7:30 PM AA

24 7:00 PM Bears

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7 PM Thanksgiving Eve Worship (TBD)

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27

5:30 Tiger Den 7 PM Cub Den

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11 AM Al-Anon

1st Sunday of Advent 29 10:30 AM Worship Service In sanctuary and online Holy Communion Service—TBD

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5:30 PM Girl Scouts 7:30 PM AA

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Schoeneck Moravian Church Vol. XXXVIII No. X1 November 2020

Our Lamb has conquered, let us follow him. In Essentials, Unity; In Nonessentials, Liberty; In All Things, Love.

Rev. Garritt Fleming, Pastor Rev. Sanette Fleming, Pastor Ryan Morrow, Director of Music Heather Scholtes, Administrative Assistant

9:15 am Zoom Sunday School 10:30 am Worship in the Sanctuary or online

Our Mission Statement “To follow the example of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to love and serve all.”

Schoeneck Moravian Church 316 North Broad Street Extension Nazareth, Pennsylvania 18064-9522

schoeneck@schoeneckmoravian.org https://schoeneckmoravian.org 610-759-0376

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

The Joyful Noise